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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 26, 2014 02:19 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Brendan F. Boyle |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Legislation Prohibiting the Manufacture and Sale of Personal Care Products and Over-the-Counter Drugs Containing Microbeads |
| In the near future, I will be introducing legislation that would prohibit the manufacture and sale of over-the-counter drugs and personal care products containing microbeads. As you may know, microbeads are tiny plastic spheres that are occasionally added to personal care products, such as body washes and toothpastes, to exfoliate the skin and polish teeth. Since they are often less expensive to utilize than natural alternatives, their use has increased exponentially in recent years. While microbeads have helped to marginally reduce production costs, their use and disposal is having a profoundly negative impact on the environment. A single retail package may contain tens of thousands of non-biodegradable microbeads, which are sometimes difficult to see with the naked eye. These minute plastic particles pass through filtering systems at wastewater treatment plants and ultimately end up in our lakes, rivers, and oceans. Studies have found innumerable microbeads in water bodies around the world, where they accumulate and are consumed by birds and fish. As such, since plastics have the ability to absorb and store toxic chemicals, microbeads are not only a pressing environmental problem, but also a significant human health concern. While some producers have voluntarily ceased using microbeads, others continue to utilize these plastic abrasives in their products. In an effort to reduce pollution and safeguard human health, Illinois recently enacted a ban on the manufacture and sale of products containing microbeads that would begin in 2017. I believe it is imperative that Pennsylvania enact a similar measure. This legislation would amend The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act of 1972 by adding necessary definitions and banning the manufacture of personal care products containing microbeads by the end of 2017, the sale of personal care products and the manufacture of over-the-counter drugs containing microbeads by the end of 2018, and the sale of over-the-counter drugs containing microbeads by the end of 2019. |
Introduced as HB2472